Blog

On behalf of ANSO, Happy Veterans Day!

Congratulations to the United States Marine Corps on 244 years of remarkable service to our Nation. 

On behalf of ANSO and our members, Happy Birthday!

https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2017/04/13/6-facts-about-the-u-s-military-and-its-changing-demographics/

https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2019/09/10/the-changing-profile-of-the-u-s-military/

Congratulations to the United States Navy on 244 years of remarkable service to our Nation. 

On behalf of ANSO and our members Happy Birthday!

ANSO wants to join the Nation in reflecting
on the many ways Hispanics have had a profound
and positive influence on our country through their
strong commitment to family, faith, hard work, and service.

Sunday, 4 August 2019, marks the Coast Guard’s 229th birthday.
Reference – https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/USDHSCG/bulletins/255be28

Retired Navy Commander and WWII veteran Curtis McGaha turns 100 years old today (August 3rd).

Curtis D. McGaha was born in Roosevelt County, New Mexico on August 3, 1919. He graduated from Portales High School in 1938, then attended Eastern New Mexico University and New Mexico State University before entering the Navy in 1941.

Curtis was a flight instructor until 1943 when he joined a Pacific Fleet Fighter Squadron, flying F4F Wildcats from the Escort Carrier USS White Plains. He flew over 50 combat missions in the battles of Saipan, Tinian, Palau, Leyte, and the Second Battle of the Philippine Sea. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, three Air Medals, two Presidential Unit Citations and numerous campaign and service medals.

Curtis served in the Navy for 28 years, retiring as a Commander. He then worked as an Employment Officer with the Colorado Division of Employment and retired from there after ten years.

Curtis lived in Colorado Spring from 1963 to 2012, where he is a life member of Centennial Sertoma Club and was recognized as Sertoman of the Year in 1982, 84, 90, and 92. As a Sertoma volunteer, he constructed over 300 wheelchair ramps and over 100 other handy man projects for the disabled.

He currently lives in Fort Collins, Colorado.

For more information, contact Gale McGaha Miller at galemcgahamiller@msn.com

Curtis McGaha, circa 1942

Curtis McGaha and daughter Gale McGaha Miller, 2019

Hola ANSO Familia!

It is with great pleasure and humility that I want to thank the members of ANSO for electing me to serve as your 15^th National President.  I feel very honored by the support and trust you have demonstrated to me.  I am grateful to you for giving me this wonderful opportunity to lead ANSO for the next few years and working with CDR Jose Rosario, the Board of Directors (BOD), and all ANSO members to make this organization even more successful.  I will strive in every way to be worthy of your confidence and to fulfill my duties the best I can. 

As I commence this journey, I will use the guidance and mentorship of those who held this position before me. I would like to thank RDML Will Rodriguez, USN (Ret.) and Maj Kevin Cortes, USMC (Ret.) whom for eight years served and led this organization through tough times to accomplish great things.  As I take on this new role, I also want to thank our current BOD members, who were elected and appointed to serve with me for the new term. Thank you to MajGen Frederick Padilla (USMC), LCDR Rolando Machado (USN), Mr. Matthew Paredes and all other members who were nominated for your commitment to ANSO and continued support.  I am looking forward to continue working with all of you to take ANSO to the next level.  

ANSO has made a real difference in my life and the lives of many of you.  Our members are passionate leaders and mentors who are dedicated to our mission. We continue to cultivate great professionals in the Sea Services by fostering the personal growth and professional development of officers, enlisted and civilian personnel.  That is why it is extremely important that all members do their part for the continued success of ANSO.

My goal during my term as President of ANSO is to find innovative ways within our organization to continue promoting cultural awareness within ANSO’s five pillars: Resources, Membership, Recruitment, Professional Development, and Community Outreach.  Although, ANSO’s vision and mission are mostly guided towards Hispanics, yet it is not all inclusive to Hispanics.  ANSO provides professional development opportunities and mentorship to Hispanics in the Sea Services but it also affords the same opportunity to other ethnic groups.  By doing so, it creates an environment that actively promotes cultural awareness, which is key to improve communication and work relationships; all essential for a successful career.

Ahora es, ANSO!  I firmly believe that cultural awareness is the path for better relations, collaborations and to push our members further in their careers.  In this way, ANSO can contribute to building stronger Sea Services. We should never forget where we come from and be proud of our cultures because it makes us who we are…and we are strong diverse service members. 

Ahora es, ANSO! It’s Time.

Time to give us your feedback.

Time to get involved and contribute to our organization.

Time to continue our legacy… uno y uno mas con ANSO!… Adelante con ANSO!

I am certainly happy to win these elections but I am also perfectly aware of the hard work that is to be done during the next years of my presidency.  The time has come to fulfill the commitments given and I am ready for it.  But any efforts would be of little use without your active support and collaboration.

I am calling on all of you now to work together to continue our mission.

Ahora es, ANSO!

Very respectfully,

Blanca Rosas
La Presidenta de ANSO